Tablet pc enclosure

ABSTRACT

A protective enclosure for a tablet pc includes a protective shell having an opening within the front surface for accessing the screen of tablet pc, and a rotating unit for allowing a user to securely hold and rotate the TPC without obscuring the screen of the device.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a protective enclosure for atablet PC, and more particularly to a protective enclosure having arotatable handle for allowing a user to securely hold and position atablet PC with one hand.

2. Description of the Related Art

Tablet PC's such as the APPLE IPAD, for example, are quickly replacingtraditional laptop and desktop computers in households everywhere.Unlike a traditional computer, a tablet PC uses a touch screen displaywhich negates the need for an external keyboard and mouse.

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a modern tablet personal computer(TPC). As shown, a typical TPC 10 includes a rectangular body 11 havingan interactive touch screen 12, a plurality of I/O ports 13 and one ormore push buttons 14. Due to the compact design and relatively lightweight of a TPC, it is common for users to operate the device on the go.To this end, in most cases a user 15 will hold the TPC with one handwhile attempting to interface with the touch screen with the other.

However, utilizing the device in such a manner has several drawbacks.For example, due to the size of the device, it is common for the user toinadvertently access the touch screen when attempting to grip the bodyof the TPC. Also, the user can not easily switch between a landscape andportrait mode without shifting their grip on the device. Further,because the device is not secured to the hand of the user, it is notuncommon for the device to be dropped resulting in severe damage.Additionally, when placed on a table the device will rest flat on itsback, which makes viewing and typing on the touch screen 12 difficultfor most users.

Many different devices have been proposed for use with a tablet PCincluding U.S. Publication No. 2004/0226973 which describes a holdingaid for a tablet PC having a custom tab which can be connected to oneside of a TPC to allow a user to grip the device. Additionally, U.S.Pat. No. 6,726,070 describes a device having a handle which can besecured to the wrist of a user. However, none of the above devicesovercomes each of the issues described above.

Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a protective enclosurecapable of allowing a user to securely hold a TPC at any angle withoutobscuring the screen of the device while simultaneously providingprotection to the TPC against damage from accidental impact. Moreover,it would also be beneficial to provide a protective enclosure which issimple to use, is economical to manufacture and allows a TPC to bepositioned at an angle for viewing and typing when not being held.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a protective enclosure for a tabletpc. One embodiment of the present invention can include a shellconfigured to enclose a tablet pc having a front, left, right, top,bottom and back surface, and an opening within the front surface foraccessing the screen of the TPC. The enclosure can also include arotating unit for allowing a user to securely hold and rotate the TPCwithout obscuring the screen of the device.

Another embodiment of the invention can include one or more pegsconfigured to extend outward, thus allowing the device to rest at anangle for typing and viewing.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention can include severalprotrusions configured to protect the TPC from inadvertent contact anddamage from impact.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should beappreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a known tablet pc.

FIG. 2 is a frontal view of a tablet pc enclosure according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a left side view of a tablet pc enclosure according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of a tablet pc enclosure according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view side of a tablet pc enclosure according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom side view of a tablet pc enclosure according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a back side view of a tablet pc enclosure according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a back side view of a tablet pc enclosure according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a frontal view of a tablet pc and a tablet pc enclosureaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a left side view of a tablet pc and a tablet pc enclosureaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of a tablet pc and a tablet pc enclosureaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view side of a tablet pc and a tablet pc enclosureaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom side view of a tablet pc and a tablet pc enclosureaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a tablet pc enclosure in use accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features ofthe invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from a consideration of thedescription in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailedembodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, itis to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplaryof the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and asa representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriatelydetailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are notintended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandabledescription of the invention.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

FIGS. 2-7 illustrate one embodiment of a TPC enclosure that is usefulfor understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The enclosure20 can include a shell 21 and a rotating unit 30 (see FIG. 7). The shell21 is preferably constructed from a hardened resilient material havinggood strength and impact absorption ability such as injection moldedplastic or carbon fiber material, for example, however other materialsare contemplated. For instance, one alternative embodiment can includean outer shell constructed entirely or mostly from stiff rubber or otherelastic material having good tensile strength and excellent impactabsorbing qualities.

In the embodiments shown herein, the enclosure 20 can encompass a TabletPC in the form of an APPLE IPAD. However, one of skill in the art willrecognize that the inventive concepts described herein can be equallyapplied to Tablet PC's of other makes and models without deviating fromthe spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the inventive concepts are notlimited to one specific TPC.

As shown in FIGS. 2-6, shell 21 can include a front surface 21 a, aright side surface 21 b, a left side surface 21 c, a top surface 21 dand a bottom side surface 21 e. Each of these sides can act together toform a roughly rectangular body having an opening 22 into which a TPCcan be securely inserted.

Additionally, each of the surfaces can include a lip/protrusion (P)along the periphery that forms the opening 22. As such, the opening 22can have a depth that is greater than that of the TPC. In oneembodiment, the lip/protrusion P can be constructed from the samematerial as the shell, and can be formed as an integral part of theshell. Alternatively, the protrusion P can be constructed from a softcushion material such as rubber or nylon padding, for example, and maybe attached to the end of the shell to form the protrusion. In thisregard, when the TPC is inserted into the opening, the screen of the TPCis recessed with respect to the protrusions thus providing protectionagainst inadvertent contact with foreign objects. Moreover, in the eventthe enclosure is dropped or subjected to impact, each of the protrusionsP in conjunction with the hardened sides 21 a-21 f can flex, thus actingas impact absorption elements in order to protect the TPC.

In another embodiment, shell 21 can include a plurality of I/O openings22 for accessing the components of the TPC and one or more embossedsections 23 for allowing the buttons of the TPC to be utilized by a userwhen positioned within the enclosure. Additionally, front surface 21 acan further include one or more optional gaps 24 for allowing the topsurface of the shell 21 d to bend (see arrow A) in order to allow theTPC to be more easily inserted into the opening 22.

In one alternate embodiment (not shown), the inside portion of the shell21 can be lined with an impact absorbing material such as rubber orneoprene, for example. In this regard, the impact absorbing material canprovide additional cushion to the TPC when impacted by a foreign object,or dropped.

FIG. 7 illustrates the back side of the enclosure 20 in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention. As shown, back surface 21 f caninclude a rotating unit 30 having a raised area 31 for ergonomicallyaccommodating the hand of a user, an adjustable strap 32 for securelypositioning the users hand to the rotating unit, and an optionalcatch/release button 33.

As shown, rotating unit 30 can turn 360 degrees (see arrow B) in eitherdirection with respect to the back surface 21 f. Moreover, rotating unit30 can include a plurality of internal stops/indentions (not shown) intowhich a portion of catch/release button 33 can engage. In this regard, auser can lock the rotating unit 30 to a specified position in order toprevent further movement until desired. Rotating/rotatable units such aselement 30 are well known in the art and can include a front side and aback side which can rotate independently of each other and can beconstructed from plastic or composite materials. To this end, therotating unit can be secured to the back surface of the shell by meansof a standard rotational joint arrangement and can rotate to any angleand be secured at that angle. Alternatively, rotating unit can beremovably secured to the back surface of the shell by a non-permanentmeans such as a locking groove, VELCRO, magnetic elements andcompression fittings, for example. Rotating devices and removableconnection devices as described above are well known to one of skill inthe art, accordingly no further description is provided.

Although described herein as including an adjustable strap 32, thislanguage is not intended to be limiting as one of skill in the art willrecognize that many known materials and configurations can be utilizedfor securing the hand of a user to the rotating unit.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the enclosure 20. As shown, theback surface 21 f can include one or more extendable pegs 35. Each ofpegs 35 can rotate/extend outward with respect to the back surface (seearrow C). Such a feature can allow the device to be oriented at an anglesuitable for reading and/or typing when placed on a flat surface.

As can be seen in FIGS. 9-13, a TPC 10 can be securely positioned withinopening 22 such that body of the TPC can be protected on all sides bythe enclosure 20. Moreover, the screen 11 of the TPC can be protectedagainst inadvertent impact by protrusions P located along the peripheryof the opening. In this regard, the enclosure can be positioned or setdown at any angle without exposing the TPC to damage. Additionally, I/Oopenings 22, and embossed sections 23 positioned within surfaces 21 a-21e can align with I/O ports 13 and push buttons 14 of the TPC,respectively, thus allowing full utilization of the TPC when positionedwithin the enclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of the enclosure 20 in action. Asshown, when a TPC 10 (in this instance an APPLE IPAD) is inserted intothe enclosure 20, a user can securely hold and rotate the TPC to anydesired angle without obstructing any portion of the screen 12.Moreover, by securing a users hand to the device, the user does not needto reposition their grip on the TPC when changing from a landscape toportrait mode, thus eliminating the risk of dropping the device, andmaking it better suited for use on the go.

Accordingly, a enclosure 20 as described herein can allow a user tosecurely hold a TPC and transition between a portrait and landscapemode, while providing protection to the TPC against damage fromaccidental impact. Moreover, the enclosure 20 can allow an enclosed TPCto be positioned at an angle for viewing and typing when not being held.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed.

Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and the practical application,and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand theinvention for various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated.

1. An enclosure for a portable electronic device, comprising: a shellconfigured to receive the portable electronic device said shell having afront surface, left surface, right surface, top surface, bottom surfaceand back surface, wherein said front surface has an opening foraccessing a screen of the portable electronic device; a rotating unitconfigured to allow a user to securely hold and rotate the portableelectronic device, said rotating unit being affixed to the back surfaceof the shell; and one or more pegs configured to extend outward from aback surface of the enclosure.
 2. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein saidrotating unit includes a circular shape that approximates a size of ahand of a user.
 3. The enclosure of claim 2, wherein said shape includesa raised area configured to ergonomically position the hand of the user.4. The enclosure of claim 3 wherein said rotating unit includes anadjustable securing means for attaching the hand of the user to therotating unit.
 5. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein said rotating unitincludes a mechanism for securing the rotating unit at a desiredposition.
 6. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein an inside portion of theshell further includes an impact absorption coating.
 7. The enclosure ofclaim 6, wherein said impact absorption coating includes at least onerubber, foam and neoprene.
 8. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein saidopening includes a raised lip around a periphery of the opening, saidraised lip adapted for preventing the screen of the portable electronicdevice from being contacted when the enclosure is placed upside down. 9.The enclosure of claim 8, wherein said raised lip is configured to flexwhen impacted by a foreign object.
 10. The enclosure of claim 8, whereinsaid raised lip includes a rubber portion.
 11. The enclosure of claim10, wherein said raised lip is configured to flex when impacted by aforeign object.
 12. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein said shellincludes a plurality of openings and embossed portions configured toallow a user to access a plurality of input/output elements of aspecific portable electronic device.
 13. The enclosure of claim 1,wherein said shell is constructed from hardened plastic.
 14. Theenclosure of claim 13, wherein a portion of said shell is configured toflex thus accommodating placement of the portable electronic device. 15.The enclosure of claim 13, wherein a portion of said shell is configuredto flex when impacted by a foreign object.
 16. The enclosure of claim 1,wherein said shell is constructed from one of a hardened rubber, andhardened neoprene.
 17. The enclosure of claim 13, wherein a portion ofsaid shell is configured to flex to accommodate placement of theportable electronic device.
 18. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein saidrotating unit is removably affixed to the back surface of the shell. 19.The enclosure of claim 1, wherein said rotating unit is removablyaffixed to the back surface of the shell.
 20. The enclosure of claim 1,wherein said rotating unit is removably affixed to the back surface ofthe shell via one of a magnetic element, a compression fitting, a lockand grove and velcro.
 21. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the portableelectronic device is a tablet PC.
 22. An enclosure for a portableelectronic device, the portable electronic device having a screen andone or more electronic elements associated therewith, the enclosurecomprising: a plurality of surfaces configured to allow the portableelectronic device to be placed therebetween; an enclosure frontconfigured to allow a user to view the screen when the portableelectronic device is placed between said surfaces; one of said surfacesbeing a back surface opposing said enclosure front; and at least one ofsaid surfaces adapted to allow the user to access the electronicelements when the portable electronic device is placed between saidsurfaces.
 23. The enclosure of claim 22 further comprising a mechanismfor allowing the enclosure to sit at an angle relative to a levelsurface.
 24. The enclosure of claim 22 wherein the portable electronicdevice is a tablet PC.
 25. The enclosure of claim 22 wherein the backsurface further comprises a rotating unit.
 26. The enclosure of claim 25wherein the back surface further comprises a mechanism for allowing theenclosure to sit at an angle relative to a level surface.
 27. Theenclosure of claim 25 wherein the rotating unit further comprises anadjustable mechanism for securing the hand of a user to the backsurface.
 28. The enclosure of claim 25 wherein the rotating unit isconfigured to allow a user to rotate the enclosure to any angle.
 29. Theenclosure of claim 28 wherein the rotating unit further comprises amechanism for securing the enclosure at a desired angle.
 30. A portableelectronic device comprising: a body having an interactive screen and aplurality of electronic elements associated therewith; an enclosurehaving a plurality of surfaces in contact with the portable electronicdevice and an enclosure front, the enclosure front being configured toallow a user to interact with the screen, one of said surfaces being aback surface opposing said enclosure front; and at least one of saidsurfaces adapted to allow the user to access the electronic elements.31. The portable electronic device of claim 30 further comprising amechanism for allowing the portable electronic device to sit at an anglerelative to a level surface.
 32. The portable electronic device of claim30 wherein the portable electronic device is a PC.
 33. The portableelectronic device of claim 30 wherein the back surface further comprisesa rotating unit.
 34. The portable electronic device of claim 33 whereinthe rotating unit further comprises a mechanism for allowing theenclosure to sit at an angle relative to a level surface.
 35. Theportable electronic device of claim 33 wherein the rotating unit furthercomprises an adjustable mechanism for securing the hand of a user to theback surface.
 36. The portable electronic device of claim 33 wherein therotating unit is adapted for allowing a user to rotate the enclosure toany angle.
 37. The portable electronic device of claim 33 wherein therotating unit further comprises a mechanism for securing the enclosureat a desired angle.
 38. An enclosure for a portable electronic device,the portable electronic device having a screen and one or moreelectronic elements associated therewith, the enclosure comprising: aplurality of surfaces including a front surface, left surface, rightsurface, top surface, bottom surface, and back surface, the surfacesconfigured to receive a tablet PC therebetween; the front surface havingan opening for allowing a user to access the screen; the back surfacehaving a rotating unit configured to allow a user to securely hold androtate the tablet PC and a mechanism for allowing the enclosure to sitat an angle relative to a level surface.
 39. The enclosure of claim 38wherein the mechanism for allowing the enclosure to sit at an anglerelative to a level surface is connected to the rotating unit.
 40. Theenclosure of claim 38 wherein the rotating unit is removably affixed.41. The enclosure of claim 40 wherein the rotating unit furthercomprises a mechanism for adjustable securing the hand of a user to therotating unit.